Rhetoric, Foucault and “Parrhesia”

Abstract

“Rhetoric” which refers to “declamation” or “sermon” as a word, generally aims to persuade people through language. Having a significant importance especially in Ancient Greece, rhetoric has been used in many fields such as literature and politics and its function is not limited with its definition.  This study will shed light on dead-end discussions on the aim and subjectivity of rhetoric and rhetoric-truth relationship within the light of Foucault’s parrhesia approach. Foucault says; “Discourse is everywhere”; accordingly, where is discourse, there is rhetoric. Foucault discusses the Ancient Greek term; “Parrhesia” (telling the truth) regarding its differences from rhetoric.  Thus, this study investigates the rhetoric approach of Foucault in consideration of his opinions about language, discourse and parrhesia.